Swoop tickets go on sale

Tickets are now on sale for flights operated by Westjet’s new ultra low-cost subsidiary Swoop.

The carrier opened reservations with a fan fare of 2,000 tickets at $0 (plus taxes and charges), although these have now sold out.

Customers can still get tickets starting from CAD $39 each way (including taxes and charges), with launch routes including Abbotsford-Edmonton, Abbotsford-Hamilton, Hamilton-Halifax and Hamilton-Winnipeg.

The first flight (between Hamilton and Abbotsford) will launch on June 20, with other routes gradually launching over the following month.

Flights will be operated by 189-seat B737-800 aircraft, with base fares including just the seat and the carry on of a “small personal item”.

Checked baggage, inflight entertainment, wifi, extra legroom and snacks and beverages can all be purchased as extras.

Commenting on the news Bob Cummings, Westjet’s executive vice president strategy, who was responsible for the launch of Swoop, said:

“Swoop is travel without the flair. Buy the seat and customize the features you want. Why would you jet with anyone else?

“Canadians can book with us knowing that we have modern aircraft, strong financial backing and an experienced team that will get you there and back. All at fares that won’t break the bank!”

“Today is the first day that a real ULCC is now available to Canadians,” he added. “We thank our launch airports for their support in getting Swoop off the ground. Low cost is the key and Hamilton and Abbotsford are examples to be followed. Keeping costs low so that the savings can be passed on to the travellers is what Swoop is all about. These airports are on the exact same page as us and we have worked side by side to make today happen.”

More details on intial Swoop routes, frequencies and fares can be seen here.